10 Best Drugstore Beauty Buys Under $10

You don't have to spend big bucks on luxury brands for a flawless face. Professional makeup artists share the best beauty products available at a drugstore near you.

By Sara Schwartz

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Lips: Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain

Every woman needs a go-to lip color in her arsenal — even better if it’s priced to accommodate multiple purchases — one for purse, medicine cabinet, and travel bag. “If you're anything like me, you're not one to think about reapplying lip color regularly,” says Stephanie Johnson, a Dallas-based hairstylist and beauty educator who runs HairFacePhoto.com. “If so, then you'll love this product. It stays on well and it’s not too matte.”

Lips: Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Gloss

Daytime calls for a little less oomph than lipstick — gloss better fits the bill. Johnson recommends Neutrogena’s MoistureShine line for this category. “They have a good array of color choices, and the formula has acai and gogi berries in it which adds to the softness and care of your lips,” she says. “Glosses are great for women over 40 because they don’t highlight lip lines. This one can be used without feeling like it's too much on the lip.” Bonus tip: You can line your lips and softly feather the entire surface with the pencil of your choice, and then apply gloss over it for a more dramatic night look, Johnson says.

Eyes: Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

To combat lashes that have become thinner or more sparse, try this lengthening mascara. “This is an amazing mascara — it really makes lashes look long!” says Liz Fuller, a Boston-based makeup artist whose advice has been featured on TODAY.com, HuffingtonPost.com, and BridalGuide.com. “As women age, lashes are not as long as they used to be and this product really captures every lash and extends them.”

Eyes: L'Oreal Colour Riche Pencil Eyeliner

Dark brown eyeliner is the little black dress of makeup-bag essentials — it dresses you up without looking overblown. “This pencil works so well because it doesn't dry out and it's soft enough to go on the eyelid easily — you don't have to push too hard,” says Marian Rothschild, Certified Personal Image Consultant and best-selling author of Look Good Now and Always. “Black/Brown color is pretty much great for every woman.”

Eyes: No. 7 Stay Perfect Eye Shadow

Cheap eye shadow tends to melt away as the day wears on, leaving disheveled-looking deposits in your eye creases. Not this product. “I’m in love with their supple feel and glide-on ease, but the colors and staying power sold me,” says Johnson. “You can get them in singles, trios, or quads, and I love them all.”

Skin: Sonia Kashuk Perfecting Luminous Foundation

Foundation is a product that can leave your wallet noticeably lighter if you follow your nose toward the luxury brands. But Fuller has found the drugstore diamond in the rough. “This is my favorite foundation; no other can compare — even the expensive ones,” says Fuller. “The only downside to this one is that it only comes in 6 colors, but the coverage feels weightless and leaves skin luminous (hence the name!) and fresh. This is one of my top drugstore picks!”

Skin: Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer

Dark circles are a daily concern for most women, but the wrong formula can end up highlighting your fatigue rather than brightening your face. “Just a dab really helps to conceal any dark circles,” says Fuller. “This concealer has a full-coverage finish, but doesn't feel or look too heavy. This formula doesn't settle into fine lines or wrinkles.” Bonus tip: Apply under eye concealer in an inverted triangle shape and then blend for the best coverage, she says.

Cheeks: NYX Stick Blush

Still stuck on powder blush? It might be time for a change. “Powder blushes can look too dry, so a cream blush is a great option to give the skin a bit of dewy color,” says Fuller. “This is a great cream blush. It is super blendable, so you can build the level of intensity to your preference.”

Cleansing: Yes to Cucumbers Eye Makeup Remover Pads

If you don't always remove your mascara and eyeliner before going to bed, your dermatologist would be wagging her finger at you. Left on your face overnight, eye makeup can clog the follicles on your eyelids, irritating and inflaming the area and possibly causing an infection or cyst. “These eye makeup remover pads are a favorite, because they are hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested, and oil-free,” says Johnson. “I've tried a lot of eye makeup removers over the years and I fight with them being too greasy or they sting my tired eyes. These feel cool and gentle on the eyes after the end of a long day.”

Cleansing: Shea Moisture African Black Soap

Made from palm ash, tamarind extract, and plantain peel and enhanced with extra-moisturizing shea butter, African Black Soap is purported to correct eczema, acne, oily skin, psoriasis, and other skin ailments. “You can get this in solid bar or a body wash/bubble bath option — no matter what, I'm completely obsessed with it,” says Johnson. “Whenever it's too hot or too cold, my skin gets dry and itchy. This has been a godsend. It's cleansing, repairing, and moisturizing all in one.”